Abstract: A transfer mold assembly including a first mold chase; a second mold chase; a first lead frame; at least one first lead frame die mounted on the first lead frame; a second lead frame substantially identical to the first lead frame; at least one second lead frame die mounted on the second lead frame; and wherein the first and second mold chases define a transfer mold cavity and wherein the first and second lead frames are positioned in stacked relationship inside the transfer mold cavity. Also disclosed is a method of integrated circuit packaging.

Abstract: A process for preparing benzoxazine-thiol polymer film is described comprising forming a rolling bank of a curable composition comprising a polybenzoxazine and a polythiol, wherein the rolling bank contacts first and second carrier substrates; passing the first and second substrates with the curable composition therebetween through a nip; and at least partially curing the curable composition to provide the corresponding polymeric layer. The compositions are useful in coating, sealants, adhesive and many other applications.

Abstract: A pipe end is expanded by an expander tool (1) comprising a plurality of jaws (10), which are radially movable in relation to a center axis between a retracted position and expanded position. The jaws (10) when retracted are intended to be inserted into the pipe end. The jaws (10) have outer jaw surfaces which are intended for engagement with the inner surface of the pipe end and which lie adjacent to one another in the retracted position of the jaws (10). The tool (1) further comprises a piston (2) or a cone with a tapered end for moving the jaws (10) between said positions and means moving the piston (2) or the cone in a reciprocating manner in the axial direction for expanding the pipe end. The tool (1) further comprises support structures whereby the jaws (10) are supported in a circumferential direction in the expanded position. A method for expanding a pipe using such a tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel hot pressing includes a die assembly that defines multiple pockets, as well as a load transferring mechanism selectively providing a respective uniaxial compressive load at each of the pockets. Multiple heating mechanisms are arranged so that each of the pockets is aligned with a different respective one of the heating mechanisms, the load transferring mechanism and the heating mechanisms thereby providing both compressive loading and heating of multiple material samples in parallel when material samples are placed in the pockets. A method of hot pressing in parallel is also provided.

Abstract: A solidification substrate assembly for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material includes a solidification substrate assembly. In certain examples, the solidifiable material solidifies in contact with the solidification substrate, and the tilting of the substrate and/or or the use of a peeling member facilitates separation of the substrate from the solidified material. In other examples, the solidification substrate assembly includes a film that is adjacent to a rigid or semi-rigid layer. The solidifiable material solidifies in contact with the film, and a peeling member peels the film away from the solidified material. Intelligent solidification substrate assemblies are also described in which a force sensor determines when to expose the solidifiable material to solidification energy and/or whether to use a peeling member to separate the solidification substrate from a solidified objection section.

Abstract: A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure having a large number of paths partitioned by porous cell walls, the cell walls having thickness of 0.17-0.45 mm and porosity of 40% or more, comprising the steps of preparing a moldable material comprising a ceramic material powder, a binder, a pore-forming material and water, extruding the moldable material to form a honeycomb-shaped green body, and drying and sintering the green body, the pore-forming material having a melting point of 40-110° C., being solid in the moldable material, and being melted in the drying step so that 25% or more thereof is removed from the green body in the drying step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for modifying in a spatially periodic manner at least in some regions a surface of a substrate (24), said surface being disposed on a sample plane (P) for which end different regions (211, 221, 231, 232) of the substrate surface are acted upon successively with a spatially periodic illumination pattern of an energy density above a processing threshold of the substrate surface, where the illumination pattern is generated by diffraction of an input beam (10) and superimposition of resulting, diffracted sub-beams (12, 14) by means of a grid interferometer (100), and where, in order to select the substrate surface region to be illuminated in each case (211, 221, 231, 232), the input beam (10) is deviated by means of a beam-deviating unit (16) arranged upstream of the grid interferometer (100).

Abstract: A method for producing a product having an uneven microstructure on a surface thereof includes: a step (I) which treats a surface of a roll mold (20) having an uneven microstructure thereon with an external release agent containing a fluorine and not containing a functional group (B) which reacts with a functional group (A) existing on the surface of the product; and a step (II) which obtains the product having the uneven microstructure on the surface thereof (40) by inserting an active energy ray curable resin composition (38) including an internal release agent between the roll mold (20) and a film (substrate) (42) after the step (I). Then, the composition is hardened by being irradiated with an active energy ray and a cured resin layer (44) having a surface, onto which the uneven microstructure is transferred, is formed on the surface of the film (42).

Abstract: A method for producing plastic containers by a production process, which is either drape forming and blow molding, using a preform in a drape forming or blow molding machine, and for subsequent treatment of the plastic containers in a treatment station of a container treatment line includes, prior to completion of the production process, determining first positional data associated with the container at a location, wherein the first positional data is selected from the group consisting of angular position of a container and angular position of a design feature on the container, and wherein the location is selected from the group consisting of the production machine, a conveying line that precedes the production machine, and a treatment line that precedes the production machine, and passing the first positional data to the treatment station for control thereof.

Abstract: A plastic food service article bearing a decorative mark or image and method therefor is disclosed. The method includes providing an article made from a colored plastic such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, PLA, ABS, etc., that discolors when irradiated with a laser beam; applying a laser beam to cause localized surface discoloration; and controlling the deflection and amplitude of the beam to form a surface decoration and/or image. In embodiments, the laser is a YAG or Fiber laser, the markings emulate silver or gold or pewter without applying metals, inks, or coatings to the plastic articles. The markings are clearly visible against both light and dark backgrounds, and can be placed in food-contact areas of the articles. The technique can be used for marking customized and personalized designs, images, and photographs on food service articles. Embodiments can be used to decorate plates and/or cutlery.

Abstract: Manufacture of ceramic honeycomb fired body. Green molded body is placed on a firing base and fired. The firing base and green molded body are each a column containing a ceramic raw material and having a partition wall forming a plurality of flow paths, and patterns of end surfaces of the two partition walls are the same as each other as seen from an extending direction of the flow paths. The green molded body is placed on the firing base displaced in a horizontal direction by a predetermined distance, or rotated around a vertical axis V of the green molded body by a predetermined angle ?, so that only a part of the lower side end surface of the partition wall of the green molded body is in contact with the upper side end surface of the partition wall of the firing base.

Abstract: A system for adding gas to and transferring molten metal from a vessel and into one or more of a ladle, ingot mold, launder, feed die cast machine or other structure is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal, and one or more gas-release devices.

Abstract: A side home-position device for a vehicle body assembly system for various vehicle types is disclosed, which can be used to return a common use side jig that controls a side panel to a working position of a main buck process. The device includes a post frame that is disposed in a vertical direction corresponding to the working position, a moving member that is movably disposed at the post frame in a width direction of a vehicle body and substantially supports the common use side jig, a main control unit in connection with the moving member and which returns the common use side jig to an original position, a clamper disposed on the moving member which clamps a matching portion of the common use side jig for the moving member, and an operating portion disposed at the post frame and which moves the moving member in a width direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A c-shaped clamp tool system preferably includes slider arms, one or more slider arm supports, pads, one or more threaded rods, and turning knobs. The clamping system preferably includes multiple slider arms and slider arm supports of different lengths. In a preferred embodiment, the slider arms are made of unidirectional pultruded carbon fiber and the slider arm support is made of woven carbon fiber.

Abstract: A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a jig for holding a silicon wafer, which are applied to the production of the silicon wafer having {110} or {100} plane as its principal surface, in which the silicon wafer is held while a silicon wafer holding positions are properly defined at wafer edge regions relative to the reference direction as being from the center of the silicon wafer toward <110> in crystal orientation in parallel to the wafer surface. In handling the silicon wafer, generation of contact scratches is suppressed as little as possible, and a fracture which is caused by development of the crack initiating from easily generated contact scratches can be prevented in the silicon wafer, particularly in the silicon wafer having {110} plane as its principal surface.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a coupling plate having an edge enclosing an inner area and provided with coupling points of a coupling device for removable coupling of a processing container. The coupling plate is configured in the inner area in either of two ways, a first way in which the coupling plate has a pin which projects in a coupling direction for engagement in a groove in a base section of the processing container, a second way in which the coupling plate has a groove for engagement of a pin which projects in the coupling direction from the base section of the processing container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printing apparatus and control method thereof. The standard size of an envelope to be stored in each of a plurality of paper storage units configured to store an envelope to be used in printing is set. An offset amount to be used to print an image on an envelope of the set standard size is set. A paper storage unit which stores an envelope to be used in printing is selected from the plurality of paper storage units based on a standard size of an envelope that is designated by a user. The position of an image is shifted in accordance with the set offset amount, and the image is printed on an envelope fed from the selected paper storage unit.

Abstract: A passing apparatus for a workpiece associated with an absorbent article receives a first sheet-like workpiece at a receiving position, changes a longitudinal direction of the first sheet-like workpiece to a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction at the time the first sheet-like workpiece is received, and discharges the first sheet-like workpiece with the changed longitudinal direction at a discharge position. The passing apparatus includes: a plurality of holding pads each having a plane section to be in contact with and for holding the first sheet-like workpiece, a revolution mechanism for causing the holding pads to revolve about a revolution axis normal to the plane section, and a spin mechanism for causing the holding pad to spin about a spin axis normal to the plane section. On an orbit of the holding pad determined by the revolution mechanism, the receiving position and the discharge position are set.

Abstract: A medium storage box is provided. The medium storage box includes a first supporting plate for storing first medium, a second supporting plate spaced apart from the first supporting plate, for storing second medium, and a pickup roller, disposed between the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate, for selectively picking up one of the first medium and the second medium.

Abstract: A document handling apparatus having a document transport path for moving a document therethrough. A single detector proximate the transport detects a misfeed indication in the transport path. A processing system processes the indication and issues a termination signal if a misfeed is determined.

Abstract: Provided are a sheet feeding device with improved separating/feeding performance. The sheet feeding device includes a sheet storage portion, a pickup roller which feeds the sheet, a driving motor which rotates the pickup roller, a feed roller and a separating roller which separate and feed the sheet, and a drive transmission mechanism which when the pickup roller abuts on the surface of the sheet accommodated in the sheet storage portion to feed the sheet, allows the pickup roller to perform intermittent rotation that alternately perform rotation and stop twice or more while one sheet is fed. The drive transmission mechanism is connected to the driving motor and includes an input gear having a plurality of protrusions and a regulating portion which is engaged with the protrusions of the input gear to regulate the rotation of the input gear.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a paper pick-up device, a transfer roller assembly, and a duplex feeding channel. The transfer roller assembly includes a shaft, a first roller, a second roller, a first idler, a second idler, and a power-coupling device. When the power-coupling device is connected with the shaft and the first roller for transmitting a paper, the first roller is driven to be rotated by the shaft. When the front edge of the paper is moved to the second roller, the first roller is driven to be rotated at a higher speed by the paper. Consequently, a power connection between the first roller and the shaft is released by the power-coupling device. Then, the first roller reaches a static status in order to correct the skew phenomenon of a next paper.

Abstract: A document handling apparatus having a document transport path for moving a document therethrough. A detector proximate the transport detects a multifeed indication in the transport path or a misfeed indication in the transport path. A processing system processes the indications and issues a termination signal if a multifeed or a misfeed, or both, is determined.

Abstract: An image forming device includes: a feeding roller; a support shaft; a support portion; a drive shaft; a planetary gear unit; and a driving force transmission unit. The support portion rotatably supports the feeding roller and is pivotally movably supported to the support shaft. The drive shaft is rotatable upon receipt of a driving force from a motor. The planetary gear unit includes a sun gear rotatable integrally with the drive shaft, and a planetary gear swingably movable about the sun gear while maintaining meshing engagement therewith. The transmission unit includes an input gear meshingly engageable with the planetary gear when the drive shaft rotates. The transmission unit transmits the driving force to the feeding roller through the drive shaft, the sun gear, the planetary gear, and the input gear.

Abstract: An image forming device includes: an image forming unit; a casing; a tray; a cover; and a handle portion. The image forming unit is configured to form an image on a sheet. The casing is formed with an opening and configured to accommodate the image forming unit therein. The tray is configured to accommodate in a stacked state a plurality of sheets to be fed toward the image forming unit. The tray is configured to be inserted into the casing through the opening to be attached to the casing and removed from the casing through the opening to be detached from the casing. The cover is configured to be connected to the tray and moved relative to the tray. The cover is configured to cover at least a part of the opening when the tray is attached to the casing. The handle portion is provided at the tray.

Abstract: In the case of a non-stop device having load-bearing rods (11,12), the load-bearing rods (11, 12) should be arranged so as to be displaceable to different extents.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a rockable member which is configured to rotate about an axis defined at a first end portion among: a first position at which a second end portion at a downstream side in the forward feed direction with respect to the first end portion is supported by the guide member having the first orientation; a second position at which the second end portion is located at a higher position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a third position at which the second end portion is located at a lower position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a signal generating unit configured to output a signal corresponding to the position of the rockable member. A photo sensor is provided to generate a signal in accordance with an orientation of the rockable member.

Abstract: To provide a sheet storage apparatus for enabling a sheet to be aligned so that the length-direction position and width-direction position of the sheet coincide with correct reference positions in positioning and storing the sheet in a predetermined position on a tray, it is configured that a paper feed rotating member in a center portion of a sheet that is carried out onto the tray and a paper-pressing guide in the side portion are disposed swingably up and down in the sheet load direction, and that the paper-pressing guide moves upward integrally with the paper feed rotating member floating a predetermined amount or more from the sheet top surface on the tray corresponding to a curl of the sheet.

Abstract: A method for feeding sheets through a sheet transport path. Ultrasonic energy is directed toward a sheet in the transport path while an audio receiver detects audio data generated by the ultrasonic source and the mechanisms that transport the sheet. The audio data is processed to determine whether a multifeed or a misfeed condition exists in the transport path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printing apparatus and control method thereof. In the printing apparatus and control method thereof, an image is input, and an envelope is conveyed so that the long edge of the envelope serves as the leading end in the conveyance direction. When the envelope is conveyed so that the long edge of the envelope serves as the leading end in the conveyance direction, it is controlled to shift the image by a set offset amount to be used to print an image on an envelope, and print the image on the envelope.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes: a guide unit for guiding the side end of the sheet; a first roller pair arranged on the downstream side of the guide unit for conveying the sheet, including a driven roller held in contact with a whole sheet in a sheet width direction; and a second roller pair having a conveyance roller arranged on the downstream side of the roller and adapted to convey the sheet, and a plurality of pinch rollers pinching the sheet in cooperation with the conveyance roller, wherein each of the plurality of pinch rollers applies to the sheet a conveyance force inclined toward a conveyance path side end, which is nearer to the pinch roller, and wherein the smaller the distance between the pinch roller and the conveyance path side end, the greater the inclination of the conveyance force thereof.

Abstract: A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object that defines a result of a game; an assigned object display part that displays an assigned object symbol corresponding to the assigned object determined by the assigned object determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed.

Abstract: A puzzle game includes a cylindrical body having a plurality of generally circular raceways arranged vertically. Each raceway is formed so as to retain a plurality of balls and have at least one opening to permit a ball to be moved to an adjacent raceway. The game also includes a plurality of balls sized to fit in the raceways and be retained in the raceways. The ball can include a number of groups equal to the number of raceways, where each group has a unique marking.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and methods for a board game in which boards, each containing multiple letters are combined in numerous combinations and configurations in order to generate and play different board games on different game boards. The object of the board game is for a player or team to place that team's colored translucent chips or tokens on letters and adjacent letters to create words, thereby creating a line or path of chips. By using this line of chips and adding to the line at each turn, the player or team can meet certain objectives, such as connecting various locations or ends on the game board, or racing from one end of the game board to the other, and other objectives as necessary to play each game.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a three dice game of chance. A game surface is provided having discrete sections, each section including a plurality of numbers, e.g., four numbers from 3 to 18 obtained by the sum of a roll of three dice. The numbers have various payout odds, each section also having payout odds. A wager placed on a number in a particular section is paid off in accordance with the payout odds associated with that number. If the rolled sum does not correspond to that number but does correspond to another number in that section, wager is paid off in accordance with the payout odds of that section. In a particular embodiment, increased odds are given for rolling a hard way number wherein all three dice have the same number.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing wagering games associated with an underlying game of baccarat in which wagers are won if the baccarat outcome data includes specific tie outcomes.

Abstract: A non-contacting shaft seal apparatus according to which an alternating array of axially-spaced, porous and non-porous annular segments extend radially-inward from the inside surface of an annular seal body and to a radial clearance defined between the segments and a rotating shaft.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly having concentric tubulars and a seal assembly in an annulus between the tubulars. The seal assembly includes an upper portion having an annular body with a U-shaped cross section and a nose ring seal. The nose ring seal has a bellows like cross section and provides sealing in the annulus and exerts a lockdown force onto one of the tubulars. Metal inlays are provided on the outer edges of the folds in the bellows and a compressible medium is disposed between the folds.

Abstract: A sliding element, in particular piston ring, has on at least one running surface, from the inside outwards, a coating having a metal-containing adhesive layer and a ta-C type DLC layer with a thickness of at least 10 ?m. In a process for the production of a sliding element, in particular a piston ring, coating with a metal-containing adhesive layer and a ta-C type DLC layer in a thickness of at least 10 ?m is carried out.

Abstract: A rotary wheel assembly is configured for use with a system for conditioning air to be supplied to an enclosed structure. The rotary wheel is configured to be positioned within a supply air stream and an exhaust air stream. The assembly includes a cassette frame, a wheel rotatably secured within the cassette frame, and a self-adjusting seal subassembly configured to maintain sealing engagement with respect to a surface of the wheel. The self-adjusting seal subassembly includes at least one seal member.

Abstract: A method of making a shopping cart includes forming a frame capable of supporting a plurality of basket assembly types, selecting from the plurality of basket assembly types a first basket assembly defining a first basket assembly type; and connecting the first basket assembly to the frame.

Abstract: An oxygen, or other type of, bottle holder is attached to a medical device and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a cylindrical recess into which the bottom of the bottle is inserted. The upper portion includes a clamp that may include either a movable arm or movable fingers. The movable fingers pivot about a common pivot axis and are retractable into, and extendable out of, a housing. The movable arm includes different sections with different levels of curvature. A trigger may be included that automatically opens the clamp upon the insertion of the bottle therein, as well as automatic closing of the clamp thereafter, thereby relieving the user from having to manually manipulate the clamp for it to secure the upper end of the bottle. The device may be wheeled chair, cot, stretcher, bed, or other device that holds an oxygen bottle.

Abstract: A wheeled medical device—such as a cot, stretcher, bed, wheeled chair, or other medical device—includes a pole on which is mounted a removable topper. The topper may include a plurality of IV hooks used to support an IV bag. The hooks may be defined in an endless ribbon that is circular, or that is another closed shape. No prongs, hooks, or other projections extend outwardly from the topper, thereby reducing the potential dangerousness of accidental impacts with the topper. Whether the topper includes hooks or not, it may also be used as an information communication medium, such as through the use of colors, shapes, or other structures that signify certain information. The information may identify characteristics of the patient associated with the medical device or characteristics of the medical device itself, or still other information.

Abstract: A safety walker includes a pair of side members, arms and spring loaded pins engaging the arms so as to allow movement of the side members between an operative position, wherein the side members are disposed in a spaced apart generally parallel relationship with each other and a generally folded position, wherein the side members are generally juxtaposed in a generally planar relationship with and in close proximity to each other. There is also a seat that is configured for movement between a stored position wherein the seat is disposed generally parallel to a rear leg of one of the pair of the side members and a second position wherein the seat is disposed generally horizontally across a space between rear legs of the pair of the side members. The safety walker is also configured for supporting various medical devices often connected to the user.

Abstract: A wheeled chair for transporting patients includes a frame, a seat, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of armrests. The armrests are pivotable about a common pivot axis that is oriented generally horizontally and that is positioned underneath the seat and forward of a back support. Each armrest may include a locking mechanism for holding the armrests in a use position. When locked in the use position, a user may apply an upward force on the armrests to lift the chair upwardly that does not cause pivoting of the armrests. The chair is designed to allow nesting with other chairs of similar design. The front wheels may be positioned laterally apart a greater distance than the rear wheels to allow a first chair to nestingly receive a rear portion of a second chair. Foley hooks may also be included on the chair for hanging a Foley catheter bag.

Abstract: A brake system for a medical device, such as a cot, stretcher, bed, wheeled chair, or other medical device, includes a pin and toothed wheel arrangement wherein the selective insertion of a pin between teeth on the toothed wheel brakes the system, while the removal of the pin from between the teeth unbrakes the system. Multiple pins may be used with a single toothed wheel wherein the pins are offset from each other relative to the teeth so that, when one pin is inserted between teeth, the other pin is at least partially blocked from being inserted between the teeth. This effectively increases the resolution of the toothed wheel. The toothed wheel may be axially spaced from wheel(s) that roll on the ground. When so spaced, the toothed wheel, and all of the braking components associated therewith, may be enclosed within a housing separate from the rolling wheel(s).

Abstract: An air suspension system of a tandem axle assembly for a trailer includes a front axle air spring configured to be coupled to a front axle assembly of the tandem axle assembly and a rear axle air spring configured to be coupled to a rear axle assembly of the tandem axle assembly. The air suspension system further includes an air reservoir in fluid communication with the front axle air spring and the rear axle air spring and a ratio valve in fluid communication with the air reservoir, the front axle air spring, and the rear axle air spring. The ratio valve is positioned between the air reservoir and the front axle air spring. Further, the ratio valve is selectively operable to send a lesser amount of air from the air reservoir to the front axle air spring than to the rear axle air spring.

Abstract: A traverse strut for use in a twist beam axle assembly is provided. The traverse strut extends along a length and presents a central section; a pair of end sections; and a pair of intermediate sections between the central section and the respective end sections. At least a portion of the central section has a first wall thickness, at least a portion of each end section has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness and at least a portion of each intermediate section has a third wall thickness that is greater than the second wall thickness. Additionally, at least two of the central, intermediate and end sections is work hardened. The transverse strut has improved performance and lower weight as compared to other known transverse struts.

Abstract: A suspension device for suspension of an axle 2 by an intermediate portion of a single leaf spring 5 has first restriction means which restricts, upon breakage of the leaf spring 5 at a position behind the intermediate portion of the spring, the rear portion of the leaf spring 5 from tilting downwardly relative to a shackle 6, and a second restriction means (retainer pawl 13) for restriction of the shackle 6 from pivotally moving backward beyond a predetermined angle. The first restriction means is constituted by a stopper plate 12 (stopper) on the shackle 6 for support of the rear portion of the leaf spring 5 from below upon breakage.